Students disciplined for putting racist signs over water fountains

CINCINNATI — School officials say they have “issued significant disciplinary actions” after students posted racist signs above water fountains in Colerain High School in Cincinnati.

Administrators at Northwest Local School District did not say how many students were punished in connection with the May 5 incident at Colerain High School. The district released a letter on May 5 saying two students were involved, but officials were still investigating and that any other students involved would be punished.

“We want to make sure our staff, students, families and community understands where we stand on racial intolerance, discrimination, racism and hatred,” a statement from Northwest Local School District says. “We take this matter very seriously. This type of behavior is not and will not be condoned or tolerated.”

School officials say the signs were posted over the water fountains for about 30 seconds for photos, then were taken down. The students involved shared the photos on social media. The district does not say what was written on the signs and it also does not specify how the students were punished.

NBC News reports the signs said “Blacks only” and “whites only.”

“The actions that were displayed do NOT reflect the values and the culture we’ve worked so hard to cultivate in all of our schools across the district,” the district’s statement says.

“NWLSD stands firm in creating a culture of inclusivity, respect, kindness and compassion for everyone. As a school community it’s our responsibility to uphold these values and we will not tolerate any action from anyone that compromises or disrupts that culture.”